Shelf ledge apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A product storage and display structure includes uprights, at least one shelf, and at least one shelf ledge. The shelf ledge includes first and second opposite ends, each end adapted to be removably coupled to an upright of the product storage and display structure. A barrier portion extends upwardly from the base portion, wherein when the base portion is coupled to the uprights, the barrier portion extends to a location proximate and at a higher elevation than the shelf of the product storage and display structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/692,539, entitled “Shelf Ledge Apparatus and Method”,filed Jun. 21, 2005 by Douglas R. Dean and Steven M. Kessell.

BACKGROUND

In many shelving applications, it is desirable to provide one or moredevices that prevent products from falling off rack shelves, shelvingassemblies, and the like (hereinafter referred to as product storage anddisplay structures). A number of devices exist for performing thisfunction, and can be mounted to product storage and display structuresin a variety of different manners. In some cases, such devices can bemounted in a limited number of positions and arrangements.

Some shelf barriers for product storage and display structures aredesigned for installation and use on particular types of product storageand display structures, but are not well-suited for many other types ofproduct storage and display structures. Also, some shelf barriersprovide only limited protection against products falling from shelves.In addition, in many cases, the manner in which some shelf barriersattach to shelves can cause damage to the shelves.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a shelf ledge for a productstorage and display structure having uprights and at least one shelf.The shelf ledge includes first and second opposite ends, each endadapted to be removably coupled to the respective upright of the productstorage and display structure. A barrier portion extends upwardly fromthe base portion, wherein when the base portion is coupled to theuprights, the barrier portion extends to a location proximate and at ahigher elevation than the shelf of the product storage and displaystructure.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a shelf ledge for aproduct storage and display structure having uprights and at least oneshelf. The shelf ledge includes a frame member including an uppermostedge, a lowermost edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. Eachside edge includes first and second end portions configured forremovably coupling to an upright, wherein the first and second endportions are spaced apart a distance sufficient to receive an uprighttherebetween.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a shelf ledge for aproduct storage and display structure having uprights and at least oneshelf. The shelf ledge includes a frame member having an uppermost edge,a lowermost edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, wherein thefirst side edge includes an outwardly extending end portion and thesecond side edge includes an outwardly extending end portion. Aplurality of upright members extend between the uppermost edge and thelowermost edge. A first connecting member is positioned proximate thelowermost edge of the frame member, the first connecting memberincluding an end portion spaced apart from the end portion of the firstside edge a distance sufficient to receive the respective uprighttherebetween. A second connecting member is positioned proximate thelowermost edge of the frame member, the second connecting memberincluding an end portion spaced apart from the end portion of the secondside edge a distance sufficient to receive the respective uprighttherebetween. Each of the first and second connecting members arecoupled to a portion of the plurality of uprights.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a product storage and display structureaccording to one embodiment of the invention, including a plurality ofshelf ledges.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another product storage and displaystructure according to another embodiment of the invention, including aplurality of shelf ledges.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a shelf ledge illustrated in FIGS. 1 and2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the shelf ledgeillustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged top view of another portion of the shelf ledgeillustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the shelf ledge illustrated in FIG.3 shown installed on two uprights of a product storage and displaystructure adjacent two other shelf ledges, one of which is shown pivotedaway from a fully installed position.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the shelf ledge and productand display structure illustrated in FIG. 6.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate shelf ledges 8 according to one embodiment ofthe invention installed on a product storage and display structure(indicated generally at 10 and 10′). The product storage and displaystructure 10 includes four uprights 12 for supporting any number ofshelves 14, although fewer or more uprights may be used. In some typesof product storage and display structures 10, one or more of the shelves14 are adjustable to different heights. For example, the shelves 14illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are adjustable to different positions alongthe uprights 12, and may be secured to the uprights 12 in anyconventional manner. In other embodiments, none of the shelves 14 areadjustable to different positions in the product storage and displaystructure 10.

An example of another product storage and display structure in which theshelf ledges 8 according to the present invention can be installed isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,501 issued to Olson et al., thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference insofar as itrelates to product storage and display structures, adjustable shelves insuch structures, and manners in which shelves can be secured in suchstructures.

In the illustrated embodiment, each upright 12 has a hollow cylindricalshape, although solid uprights 12 may be used in other embodiments. Theends of the uprights 12 are open (whether for connection to otherelements or otherwise), or may be closed. The uprights 12 may have anycross-sectional shape desired, including without limitation round (FIG.1), oval, elliptical, square (FIG. 2), rectangular, triangular, or otherpolygonal cross sectional shapes, including irregular or unusualcross-sectional shapes. For example, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 1, the uprights 12 each have a generally round cross-sectionalshape. As another example, the uprights 12 in the illustrated embodimentof FIG. 2 each have a square cross-sectional shape. Although thecross-sectional size and shape of each upright 12 can be constant alongits length as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, this need notnecessarily be the case.

In a further embodiment, the uprights 12 include a plurality of externalcircumferential recesses or grooves 16 (FIGS. 6 and 7). As is well knownto those skilled in the art, the grooves 16 are used to secure shelvesto the uprights 12. Multiple grooves 16 enable the attachment ofmultiple shelves 14 to the uprights 12 and/or permit the shelves 14 tobe secured at a variety of points along the uprights 12. The manner inwhich shelves 14 are connected to grooved uprights 12 is well known tothose skilled in the art and is not therefore described further herein.In other embodiments, the uprights 12 are provided with other featuresand elements enabling connection of shelves 14 to the uprights 12. Suchfeatures and elements include without limitation a plurality ofapertures along the uprights 12, ribs, studs, bosses, flanges, lips,pins, or other protrusions extending from the uprights 12, and the like.In still other embodiments, the surfaces of the uprights 12 arerelatively featureless (such as when clamps, set screws, or otherfasteners are used to clamp the shelves 14 in place on the uprights 12).

A shelf ledge 8 according to one embodiment of the invention isillustrated in FIG. 3. The shelf ledge 8 is generally elongated andincludes first and second opposite ends 18, 20 which are adapted forconnection to different uprights 12 of a product storage and displaystructure 10. For this purpose, each end 18, 20 of the shelf ledge 8includes a first portion 22, 24 sufficiently spaced from a secondportion 26, 28 to receive an upright 12 therebetween. The first andsecond portions 22, 26 and 24, 28 define forked ends 18, 20 of the shelfledge 8 to receive the uprights 12.

In one embodiment, the first and second portions 22, 26 and 24, 28 ofthe shelf ledge ends 18, 20 are substantially the same length (i.e.,extending substantially the same distance from the rest of the shelfledge 8). However, in some embodiments, one of the first and secondportions 22, 26 on the first end 18 is longer than the other, and/or oneof the first and second portions 24, 28 of the second end 20 is longerthan the other. For example, referring to FIGS. 3-5, the first portion22 of the first end 18 is longer than the second portion 26 of the firstend 18, and the first portion 24 of the second end 20 is shorter thanthe second portion 28 of the second end 20. In other embodiments, thefirst portion 22 of the first end 18 is shorter than the second portion26 of the first end 18, and/or the first portion 24 of the second end 20is longer than the second portion 28 of the second end 20. In otherembodiments, the first portion 22 of the first end 18 is longer than thesecond portion 26 of the first end 18, and the first portion 24 of thesecond end 20 is longer than the second portion 28 of the second end 20.In still other embodiments, the first portion 22 of the first end 18 isshorter than the second portion 26 of the first end 18, and the firstportion 24 of the second end 20 is longer than the second portion 28 ofthe second end 20.

First and second end portions 22, 26 and 24, 28 having different lengthsare used in some embodiments to ease installation of the shelf ledge 8on uprights 12 of a product storage and display structure 10 or toachieve a desired relationship between ends 18, 20 of adjacent shelfledges 8 on a product storage and display structure 10, as will bedescribed in greater detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, the first portion 22 of the first end 18of the shelf ledge 8 is narrower (e.g., having a smaller verticaldimension as viewed in FIGS. 6 and 7) than the first portion 24 of thesecond end 22, although the opposite may be true in further embodiments.In one embodiment, the second portion 28 of the second end 20 isnarrower or wider than the second portion 26 of the first end 18. Also,in one embodiment, both portions 22, 26 of the first end 18 are narroweror wider than both portions 24, 28 of the second end 20. In stillanother embodiment, the first and second portions 22, 26, and 24, 28 ofboth ends 18, 20 of the shelf ledge 8 are substantially the same width.First and second end portions 22, 26 and 24, 28 having different widthsare used to achieve a desired relationship between ends 18, 20 ofadjacent shelf ledges 8 on a product storage and display structure 10 aswill be described in greater detail below.

To install the shelf ledge 8 on a product storage and display structure10 having uprights 12 as described above, an installer moves one of theforked ends 18, 20 of the shelf ledge 8 to a position in which anupright 12 is received between the first and second portions 22, 26 or24, 28 of the respective end. The shelf ledge 8 is then flexed to abowed state such that the first and second portions of the oppositeforked end fit around another upright 12. In one embodiment, the freeend 18, 20 of the shelf ledge 8 is pressed against an adjacent upright12 until the free end 18, 20 snaps into place upon the upright 12.Installation of the shelf ledge 8 may be enabled by flexure of the shelfledge 8 and/or either, or both, uprights 12 to which the shelf ledge 8is coupled. It should be readily apparent to those of skill in the artthat the first and second end portions 22, 24 and 26, 28 have lengthsselected for the snap-fitting action between the shelf ledge 8 and theuprights 12. In another manner of installing the shelf ledge 8, theshelf ledge 8 is tilted such that one end 18, 20 of the shelf ledge 8 isat a higher elevation than the opposite end 20, 18, thereby permitting afree end 18, 20 of the shelf ledge 8 to be dropped into an installedposition, that is the adjacent upright 12 is received between the firstand second end portions 22, 26 or 24, 28.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portions 22, 24 of each end18, 20 of the shelf ledge 8 have different lengths than the respectivesecond end portions 26, 28. The length difference between the first andsecond end portions enables the ends 18, 20 of the shelf ledge 8 to bemore easily snapped into place upon the uprights 12. For example, insome embodiments, a shorter end portion 22, 24 is fit around an upright12 (e.g., snapped into place on an upright 12, coupled to an upright 12by flexing the shelf ledge 8, or tilted into place on an upright 12 asdescribed above) more readily than if the portions 22, 26 and 24, 28were the same length.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, and 7, the first and second portions 22, 26 and24, 28 of each shelf ledge end 18, 20 are spaced a distance apart tosnugly receive the uprights 12. In a further embodiment, a length of theshelf ledge 8 is selected to provide a snug fit of the shelf ledge 8between the uprights 12. Using either installation, the shelf ledge 8 isretained in place upon the uprights 12. In another embodiment, the firstand/or second portions may include a friction material to increase theamount of frictional engagement between the uprights 12 and the shelfledge ends 18, 20. Examples of the friction material includes a plastic,urethane, rubber, or other coating on one or more of the end portions,pads of such material attached to one or more of the end portions, orthe like. Alternatively or in addition, one or more screws, bolts,nails, pins, clamps, clips, or other conventional fasteners orinter-engaging elements further secure the end portions 22, 24, 26, 28in place upon the uprights 12.

As described above, each end 18, 20 of the shelf ledge 8 includes firstand second portions 22, 26 and 24, 28 between which the uprights 12 ofthe product storage and display structure 10 are received. It should bereadily apparent to those of skill in the art that the shelf ledge 8 maybe attached to the uprights 12 in other manners. For example, in oneembodiment the ends 18, 20 of the shelf ledge 8 are attached to theuprights 12 by one or more pins, posts, fingers, or other projections onthe ends 18, 20 of the shelf ledge 8, which are received within one ormore apertures in the uprights 12 (and vice versa). Other examplesinclude collars on the ends of the shelf ledge 8 received upon theuprights 12, one or more screws, bolts, nails, clamps, clips, or otherconventional fasteners or inter-engaging elements securing the ends 18,20 of the shelf ledge 8 to the uprights 12, any of the manners describedabove for connecting the shelves 14 to the uprights 12, or the like.Still other manners of coupling the ends 18, 20 of the shelf ledge 8 tothe uprights 12 are possible, and fall within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the shelf ledge is generally rectangular,although other shapes are possible. Referring to FIG. 3, the shelf ledge8 includes a base portion 30 and a barrier portion 32. The base andbarrier portions 30, 32 are positioned relative to one another such thatthe base portion 30 defines the end portions 18, 20 coupled to theuprights 12 and the barrier portion 32 prevents product from falling offof an adjacent shelf 14 located at a higher elevation than the baseportion 30. Depending at least in part upon the type of product storageand display structure 10 and the positional relationship between theuprights 12 and shelves 14, the base and barrier portions 30, 32 lie inthe same plane (e.g., in cases where substantially the entire shelfledge 8 is substantially planar) or lie in different planes. In theillustrated embodiment, the barrier portion 32 of the shelf ledge 8 liesin a different plane from the base portion 30. Accordingly, therelationship between the base and barrier portions 30, 32 in theillustrated embodiment enables the end portions 22, 26 and 24, 28 to becoupled to the uprights 12 at a lower elevation (e.g., at leastpartially beneath) the shelf 14, while the barrier portion 32 extendsupwardly to a location proximate product upon the shelf 14.

An intermediate portion 34 of the shelf ledge 8 extends between andconnects the base portion 30 and barrier portion 32. The intermediateportion 34 defines a ledge, angled (FIG. 3) or curved, or can take anyother form desired. In one embodiment, the intermediate portion 34 isdefined entirely or in part by the base portion 30 and/or the barrierportion 32. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the intermediate portion 34defines a ledge located beneath an edge of the shelf 14 when the shelfledge 8 is installed on the product storage and display structure 10.

With reference to the discussion above regarding the width of the shelfledge end portions 22, 24, 26, 28, in some embodiments one or both endportions 22, 26 of the first end 18 is narrower or wider than one orboth end portions 24, 28 of the second end 20. Such a relationshipbetween the end portions 22, 24, 26, 28 enables adjacent shelf ledges 8to be installed at a common height on the uprights 12 of the productstorage and display structure 10. With reference to FIGS. 3-5 forexample, the first portion 24 of the second end 20 of the shelf ledge 8is wider than the first portion 22 of the first end 18. When two suchshelf ledges 8 are installed adjacent one another at the same locationalong the upright 12, the first portion 24 on the second end 20 of oneshelf ledge 8 can receive the first portion 22 on the first end 18 ofthe other shelf ledge 8, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. When shelf ledgesare mounted adjacent each other on one upright 12, in some embodiments,end portions 22, 24 of the adjacent shelf ledges 8 are nested togetherby virtue of their shape and relative size. In another embodiment, theend portions 22, 24 of the adjacent shelf ledges 8 are offset from oneanother (e.g., the end portion 22 of one shelf ledge 8 is located at ahigher or lower elevation than the end portion 24 of an adjacent shelfledge 8 installed at the same height on an upright 12). Such arelationship may be achieved, for example, by using shelf ledges 8having end portions 22, 24 located at different heights on the shelfledge 8 (as viewed from the perspective of FIG. 6).

The nesting relationship between adjacent shelf ledge end portions 22,24 enables adjacent shelf ledges 8 to be coupled to one upright 12 atsubstantially the same height. Accordingly, any number of shelf ledges 8may be installed on the product storage and display structure 10 at acommon height. For example, the shelf ledges 8 may be installed at acommon height along all sides of the shelf 14 in the product storage anddisplay structure 10 or along any number of sides or the shelf 14. Thenesting ability of adjacent shelf ledge end portions 22, 24 may beimproved by using shelf ledge end portions 22, 26, and/or 24, 28 on eachend 18, 20 of the shelf ledge 8 that have unequal lengths, as describedabove.

In one embodiment, the shelf ledge 8 is adjusted to and installed in anylocation along the length of the uprights 12, such as at locationsproximate edges of shelves 14, at locations above, below, and/or betweenshelves 14, or the like. Because the shelf ledge 8 is coupled to theuprights 12, rather than to the shelf 14, the shelf ledge 8 may beadjusted to and installed in different locations independent of theshelf location. In the illustrated embodiment, the shelf ledge 8 iscoupled to the uprights 12 at locations below the shelf 14 and extendsupwardly such that the barrier portion 32 prevents product from fallingoff of the shelf 14. This relationship between the shelf ledge 8, theuprights 12, and the shelves 14 enables the shelf ledge 8 to beinstalled adjacent the uppermost shelf 14 where no uprights 12 extendingthereover.

The shelf ledge 8 is manufactured from any number of different elements.The shelf ledge 8 in the illustrated embodiment is an assembly of wireelements welded together. The wire elements include a frame 36 (FIG. 8),first and second upright connecting portions 38 and 40 (FIGS. 9 and 10),and brace portions 42 (FIG. 11). The frame 36 defines an outer peripheryof the shelf ledge 8, as well as the second end portions 26, 28. Thefirst and second upright connecting portions 38, 40 define the baseportion 30 of the shelf ledge 8, as well as the first end portions 22,24, respectively. The uprights 42 couple the frame 36 to the connectingportions 38, 40, as well as extension members 44 (FIG. 3). The uprights42 also define the intermediate portion 34 of the shelf ledge 8.

In another embodiment, the shelf ledge 8 is an assembly of bars, rods,tubes, plates, or other elements coupled in any manner, includingwithout limitation by welding or brazing, by adhesive or cohesivebonding material, by screws, bolts, nails, rivets, pins, clamps, clips,and other conventional fasteners, by inter-engaging elements, snap orpress fits, threaded connections, or the like. Also, the shelf ledge 8may be molded, cast, stamped, pressed, extruded, or otherwise formed asone element or as two or more elements coupled together in any manner.In the illustrated embodiment, the shelf ledge 8 has a relatively openframework of elements, defined by the wire elements, although the ledgemay be partially or substantially entirely solid, if desired. The shelfledge 8 is constructed of carbon steel. In a further embodiment, theshelf ledge 8 is constructed of any material or combination ofmaterials, including without limitation steel, stainless steel,aluminum, brass, iron, or other metals, plastic, glass, ceramic,fiberglass, wood, composite materials, or the like. Any part or all ofthe shelf ledge 8 may also be covered with one or more layers ofmaterial (e.g., rubber or plastic) to protect the shelf ledge 8, theproduct storage and display structure 10, or product thereon againstdamage.

The embodiments described above and illustrated in the Figures arepresented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitationupon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, itwill be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that variouschanges in the elements and their configuration and arrangement arepossible without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention as set forth in the appended claims.

For example, the shelf ledge 8 disclosed herein may have any lengthdesired and provided in multiple lengths for installation betweenuprights 12 spaced varying distances apart. The length of the shelfledge 8 is between 10 inches and 15 inches, although shelf ledges ofgreater or lesser length may be used. As another example, the shelfledges 8 have any height desired, such as relatively tall shelf ledges 8for preventing larger and/or taller products from falling off of shelves14, and relatively short shelf ledges 8 for preventing smaller and/orshorter products from falling off of shelves 14. The height of the shelfledge 8 is about 6.2 inches, although shelf ledges of greater or lesserheight may be used.

In the embodiments illustrated herein, each shelf ledge 8 is installedin the product storage and display structure 10 by being coupled to twouprights 12 (one at each end of the shelf ledge 8). In anotherembodiment, the shelf ledge 8 is coupled to only one upright 12, inwhich case the other end of the shelf ledge 8 is free, or connected tothe shelf 14 or another part of the product storage and displaystructure 10 in any suitable manner. In still another embodiment, theshelf ledge 8 is coupled to and extends between three or more uprights12.

1. A shelf ledge for a product storage and display structure havinguprights and at least one shelf, the shelf ledge comprising: a baseportion including first and second opposite ends, each end adapted to beremovably coupled to the respective upright of the product storage anddisplay structure; and a barrier portion extending upwardly from thebase portion, wherein when the base portion is coupled to the uprights,the barrier portion extends to a location proximate and at a higherelevation than the shelf of the product storage and display structure.2. The shelf ledge of claim 1 wherein the first end includes a first endportion and a second end portion, the first and second end portionsbeing spaced apart a distance sufficient to receive the respectiveupright therebetween.
 3. The shelf ledge of claim 2 wherein the firstend portion has a greater length than the second end portion.
 4. Theshelf ledge of claim 2 wherein the second end includes a first endportion and a second end portion, the first and second end portionsbeing spaced apart a distance sufficient to receive the respectiveupright therebetween.
 5. The shelf ledge of claim 4 wherein the secondend portion of the second end has a greater length than the first endportion of the second end.
 6. The shelf ledge of claim 4 wherein thefirst end portion of the second end has a greater height than the firstend portion of the first end.
 7. The shelf ledge of claim 6 wherein whenthe first end is coupled to an upright, the first end portion of thefirst end nests within the first end portion of the second end of anadjacent shelf ledge coupled to the same upright.
 8. The shelf ledge ofclaim I wherein the base portion and the barrier portion are formed fromcarbon steel wire.
 9. The shelf ledge of claim 1, and furthercomprising: a frame member that defines an uppermost portion of thebarrier portion, a lowermost portion of the base portion, and a portionof the first and second ends; a first connecting member that defines aportion of the first end; a second connecting member that defines aportion of the second end; and a plurality of upright members thatcouple the frame member to the first connecting member and the secondconnecting member.
 10. A shelf ledge for a product storage and displaystructure having uprights and at least one shelf, the shelf ledgecomprising: a frame member including an uppermost edge, a lowermostedge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, each side edgeincluding first and second end portions configured for removablycoupling to an upright, wherein the first and second end portions arespaced apart a distance sufficient to receive an upright therebetween.11. The shelf ledge of claim 10 wherein the frame member comprises: abase portion that defines the first and second end portions; and abarrier portion extending upwardly from the base portion.
 12. The shelfledge of claim 10 wherein when the base portion is coupled to theuprights, the barrier portion extends to a location proximate and at ahigher elevation than the shelf of the product storage and displaystructure.
 13. The shelf ledge of claim 10 wherein the first end portionof the first end has a greater length than the second end portion of thefirst end.
 14. The shelf ledge of claim 10 wherein the second endportion of the second end has a greater length than the first endportion of the second end.
 15. The shelf ledge of claim 10 wherein thefirst end portion of the second end has a greater height than the firstend portion of the first end.
 16. The shelf ledge of claim 14 whereinwhen the first end is coupled to an upright, the first end portion ofthe first end nests within the first end portion of the second end of anadjacent shelf ledge coupled to the same upright.
 17. The shelf ledge ofclaim 10 wherein the base portion is laterally offset from a planedefined by the barrier portion.
 18. The shelf ledge of claim 10, andfurther comprising: a frame member that defines an uppermost portion ofthe barrier portion, a lowermost portion of the base portion, and aportion of the first and second ends; a first connecting member thatdefines a portion of the first end; a second connecting member thatdefines a portion of the second end; and a plurality of upright membersthat couple the frame member to the first connecting member and thesecond connecting member.
 19. A shelf ledge for a product storage anddisplay structure having uprights and at least one shelf, the shelfledge comprising: a frame member including an uppermost edge, alowermost edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, wherein thefirst side edge includes an outwardly extending end portion and thesecond side edge includes an outwardly extending end portion; aplurality of upright members extending between the uppermost edge andthe lowermost edge; a first connecting member positioned proximate thelowermost edge of the frame member, the first connecting memberincluding an end portion spaced apart from the end portion of the firstside edge a distance sufficient to receive an upright therebetween; anda second connecting member positioned proximate the lowermost edge ofthe frame member, the second connecting member including an end portionspaced apart from the end portion of the second side edge a distancesufficient to receive an upright therebetween, wherein each of the firstand second connecting members are coupled to a portion of the pluralityof uprights.
 20. The shelf ledge of claim 19 wherein the frame member,the first and second connecting members, and the uprights are formedfrom carbon steel wire.